Lillian's Guestbook

Dear Lillian, yes first few days are awful. But you will be better. Take a day at a time. It all happened so soon for you . I will be praying for you. Take all the rest and love you can get.hope you have kind nurses and friends. I am two and half-years after same aortic valve replacement and a by pass. It took time but I am great now. Keep heart up. Lots of love from paula in Dublin Ireland Xxxxxxxxx

Today is your surgery day & a day of new beginnings almost like a new birthday! May you feel much better really soon as you reap the many blessings of all these surgical advancements!

Lillian, geez, I just posted a note for you and just realized today's the 13th, so you won't have time to do research, but you'll do fine! It's not a cakewalk that's for sure, but like all tough issues in life, this too shall pass and you'll move on with your life. Follow your surgeon's instructions and maintain a positive attitude and that will help a great deal! Best wishes from a member of the "Zipper Club"!

Hello! Lillian - I can understand the shock of being told you need OHS, especially if there were no echocardiograms over the years indicating that surgery would inevitably take place down the road. I also had severe aortic stenosis (AS), as well as a bicuspid valve. In addition, I had an aneurysm on the ascending aorta, which was mostly caused by the AS. I was lucky to find out about 25 years ago that I had a valve problem. Echocardiograms took place over the years, with regular ones taking place in the last ten years. I had open-heart surgery on Sept. 28, 2016 (you can read my story to find out more). I received a bovine aortic valve and the surgeon told me it could last 20 years or so (the older you are, the longer it lasts). Please try to relieve some stress before the surgery (meditation is a wonderful tool) and most importantly, stay positive. Keep visualizing that everything will be fine. Whether you believe in angels or not, they are always at our side; all we have to do is ask for their help. Wishing you the best of luck!

I can understand how you might feel as you count the days. My diagnosis is exactly the same as yours but my surgery is the day after yours here in Oregon, USA. Things really do happen quickly. I fought it every step of the way; I didn't believe any of it was true.. I saw 3 heart surgeons before I finally accepted the reality of it all and got it scheduled. My hospital has 24 educational videos posted on the Internet & divided up into 4 groups :::now, before, during & after surgery that I am watching. You can see the website address on my journal if you are interested. I know I need all the help I can get to enhance my recovery. Maybe something or someone in this community site will be helpful to you. I sure hope so because there are many kind & caring people here! Best wishes & many prayers!